Hello guys, have been lurking around this site for a while and getting a lot of info. Time flys because I saw on my profile I joined in Feb. 06. Anyway, need some advice. Don't know a lot about cummins, but I need to learn. I have a hotrod shop. I have a '54 chevy 6600 sitting on a '92 dodge 3/4 cummins, a '36 ford 1 1/2 I'm about to put a 4BT into it and I just bought a 2002 Dodge 3500 flatbed.

This truck has been neglected and has been parked a while. May be over a year. Ispection sticker and tags expired in June 09. All info I got is that it needs fuel pump to run. I got a new carter for $100. that this guy didn't use. Reciept shows he bought it in Aug. 09.,

It also needs a pass door window--got one for $40. Has three bullet holes, needs a new windshield, got a friend that will install one for $130, Also needs seats upholstered, dash -- found an over lay on ebay for $85. Needs ignition lock and key-- $68. Oriley's, Needs two dually wheels--$200 at junkyard, needs new tires.

Has 131,000 miles on it, 5 sp. Owner says the engine and trans are in good shape and gaurantees them. He also put in a new clutch assembly. Bought it for $1700 without hearing or running it. Taking a chance here, but if I can get it going with another $2500, I think I got a good deal

Now for my question, as I mentioned, I don't have a lot of experience with this type of truck and would like some advice as to how to go about starting this. I am putting the new LP, fuel filters, and batteries this weekend. Any other suggestions or things I need to look for. Thank, Joe.

 

If it's been sitting for about a year like you said make sure the fuel in the tank is good. If it were me I would put some fresh fuel in with a good additive. Change the oil and oil filter on the engine. Check all the other fluids and their levels in the truck. Replace or fill as nessecary. If it were mine I would put fresh coolant in it. I doubt the valves have ever been adjusted if you said it was really neglected, you could go ahead and adjust them. I think the manual says they are to be done at 125K miles.

Just give a really good look over and inspection.

 

Don't forget to check the air intake and filter for mice, little buggars really like filter housings for nests. May want to double check battery, starter and ground connections when you replace the batteries. Other than that Matt covered it pretty good. I would definitely drain the fuel tank and circulate new fuel through the filter housing under the hood by bumping the starter a few times.